CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Dee Brown scored 16 points and Illinois' defense made up for a poor shooting night as the 11th-ranked Illini won their ninth straight to open the season, 58-48 over Georgetown on Thursday night.

Brown made two layups midway through the second half that boosted Illinois' lead to 14 points and stalled Georgetown's comeback attempt. The Hoyas (3-2), who were down 15 points at halftime, rallied behind Jeff Green, who scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half.

But Georgetown ran out of time. After closing to 52-44 on Ashanti Cook's 3-pointer with 1:10 to go, the Hoyas missed three straight shots, were forced to foul and the Illini converted all six free throws before Green scored four points in the final seconds.

James Augustine got his fourth double-double of the season for Illinois with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Cook scored 10 points for the Hoyas.

Illinois was only 9-of-25 from the field in the second half and finished the game shooting a paltry 32 percent. They were helped by nine 3-pointers.

Illinois scored the first 10 points of the game and then held the Hoyas to five first-half baskets.

Illini coach Bruce Weber, still hobbled by a broken left ankle, was waving his arms early exhorting his players and applauding their defensive play as Georgetown missed its first six shots and eight of its first 10 on their way shooting 38 percent.

The Hoyas closed within 12-7 with 10:59 to go in the half but the Illini tightened up their defense again and forced Georgetown to miss nine straight shots and turn the ball over four times over the next 9:02. Illinois took a 25-11 lead and was up 28-13 at halftime.